Trinidad deny U.S. seventh successive 4×400 world title

Men’s 4 x 400 metres relay final – London Stadium, Britain – August 13, 2017 – Lalonde Gordon of Trinidad and Tobago wins the gold medal. REUTERS/Phil Noble
Men’s 4 x 400 metres relay final – London Stadium, Britain – August 13, 2017 – Lalonde Gordon of Trinidad and Tobago wins the gold medal. REUTERS/Phil Noble

 

LONDON,  (Reuters) – Trinidad and Tobago denied United States a seventh successive world 4×400 metres relay title when they won a breathtaking final at the World Athletics Championships today.

The U.S led for most of the race until Lalonde Gordon ran a superb final lap for the Caribbean islands to overhaul Fred Kerley on the home straight and give Trinidad their first world title in this event.

Martyn Rooney put up a brave chase for Britain but was unable to haul in the leading pair and the hosts took bronze.

Trinidad’s time of 2:58.12 was the fastest this year.

Jamaica and Bahamas, Olympic silver and bronze medallists respectively in Rio de Janeiro last year, both failed to qualify for the final as did Botswana, another of the favourites.